The Most Instagrammable Spots in Concord This Summer
By Cynthia Schumacher
If a picture is worth a thousand words, an Instagram post is worth a thousand likes. And Concord has loads of natural and manmade landscapes to share with family, friends and followers.
Here are some of the most Instagrammable spots you’ll want to share when visiting Concord this summer.
Markham Nature Park and Arboretum
If you want to add some color to your Instagram page -- daylilies and violet cordyline fruticosa, for example -- make your first stop the Markham Nature Park and Arboretum. Strike a pose in front of the camellia gardens or the bee farm. This 17-acre island is picture perfect for weddings, bridal showers, and your gram page. Even better? They also sell native and exocric plants in the arboretum.
Lime Ridge Open Space
The Lime Ridge Open Space is more than 1,200 acres of visual delight -- a natural landscape of native flowers, trails, and wildlife. You’ll find compelling images to add to your Instagram page, whether it’s the rock maze or the natural oak and savanna grasslands. It’s East Bay nature at its finest!
Contra Costa Canal Regional Trail
Miles of paved pathways connect Concord with Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, and Martinez. And the Contra Costa Canal Regional Trail in the East Bay is one very popular trail among Northern California’s much-loved trails. The Contra Costa Canal trail is open from 5 a.m. until 10 p.m., and parking along the trail is free.
Concord is only 30 miles from San Francisco so it’s no wonder the area ranks No. 1 on LawnStarter’s list of “Best Cities for Hiking.” Whether you’re running, cycling, on horseback, or just out for a stroll, there’s no shortage of Instagrammable moments along the region’s trails. The park offers separate rose and camellia gardens, a bee farm, a community garden and an international garden.
Local Flavor
Listen up, #foodiesofinstagram. Concord boasts at least 25 different cuisines among its attractions. Whether it's chicken and waffles, or sushi, or a fried chicken club sandwich, The Big Country Kitchen has you covered. Your menu picks will make Insta-worthy pics. Just grab your phone and snap some photos before you eat!
The Veranda
The Veranda -- a place to shop, dine, and play in Concord -- is a popular spot for Instagram posts. That’s because The Veranda is more than a shopping center. It has made itself into a destination. The fountain is picture-worthy during the day and eye popping at night. Whether you’re looking for live music, new shoes, or brunch, you’ll find it here, and it’s all ready for a closeup on your Instagram.
The aRt Cottage
The aRt Cottage is a must-see when you visit downtown #concordca, especially if you want to support Bay Area artists. Take photos of the mini library book cabinets filled with small paintings. You might even find a treasure to take home. Even better, the gallery hosts free public art receptions with refreshments. You can find out what’s on display and what’s coming next on their website.
Take photos of the mini library book cabinets filled with small paintings. You might even find a treasure to take home. Even better, the gallery hosts free public art receptions with refreshments. You can find out what’s on display and what’s coming next on their website -- and get an idea of how to curate some posts for maximum effect.
Murals
Speaking of art, You’ll find more than 50 painted murals in and around downtown. The latest one, on the side of the Parma Deli, is courtesy of the art students in Clayton Valley Charter School. Take a selfie in front of several of them, then ask your Insta-followers to decide which one is best.
Keep Exploring
These suggestions aren’t the last picture show. Things are always changing in this vibrant city, and there’s always something visually cool to share on Instagram. Check out the Concord spots mentioned here, and keep your eyes peeled for the next photo op this summer.
Cynthia Schumacher is a freelance writer and photographer. She enjoys traveling around the country taking pictures of landmarks, waterfalls and wildflowers. Her past jobs include tech writer, museum docent, and strawberry picker.